Every car made in the UK
The British car industry might be smaller than it was, but there are still more than 35 models manufactured on these shores, along with 10 vans. Here we take a look at them...
Although the British car industry isn’t quite as flourishing as it used to be, a huge number of cars are still built in factories around the country. According to official figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, more than 905,000 cars and 120,000 commercial vehicles were built here in 2023 (the latest full-year data available), with the automotive sector accounting for nearly 12% of our exports.
So, which cars and vans are currently built in the UK? In most cases, this list features models that you’d be able to walk into a dealership and buy today. Some of them, though, are from smaller outfits that may produce niche products but are nevertheless well-established and respected parts of the UK automotive landscape. There are a few other British-built cars, of course, but we’ve excluded most kit cars, those that aren’t road legal, and models that are virtually impossible to obtain.
Ariel Atom
The Atom is one of the most hardcore sports cars you can buy. With almost no bodywork and a 320bhp turbocharged Honda engine at the back (or 400bhp if you opt for the more powerful 4R version), the Atom 4 is exceedingly light (coming in at less than 500kg) and rapid, which promises to make it super-agile and thrilling to drive.
Where it's made Crewkerne, Somerset List price £39,975 What Car? rating Not tested
Ariel Nomad
The second-generation Nomad does away with the 2.0-litre Honda engine of the original and now comes equipped with the same punchy 2.3-litre engine you can find in the Ford Focus ST and Mustang. Like the Atom, the Nomad has a mostly open body, but it’s more off-road-focused, with all-terrain tyres and long-travel suspension.
Where it's made Crewkerne, Somerset List price £67,992 What Car? rating Not tested
Aston Martin DBX
The DBX stands out for two main reasons: it was Aston Martin’s first SUV, and it was the first model to be made at the brand’s bespoke production facility in south Wales. While practicality isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Aston Martin, the DBX has it in abundance, as well as a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine that delivers all the thrills and excitement you’d expect from the luxury car marque.
Where it's made St Athan, south Wales | Our pick 707 | List Price £207,800 | What Car? rating 5 stars
Aston Martin DB12
When it arrived in 2023, the DB12 was an extensive revamp of the previous DB11. It certainly delivered, with its twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol engine pumping out a prodigious 671bhp – more than what even the V12 DB11 could muster. What’s more, the DB12 is more fun to drive than most of its GT rivals, with sharp, agile handling, and it benefits from a beautifully crafted interior with small rear seats that adults can use for short journeys.
As well as coming in coupé form, the DB12 is available as a convertible (Volante).
Where it's made Gaydon, Warwickshire | Our pick 4.0 V8 | List Price £187,800 | What Car? rating 4 stars
Aston Martin Vantage
The Vantage may be Aston Martin’s smallest model, but don’t let its size fool you; it packs an enormous punch.
With an output of 656bhp, the Vantage’s twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine not only provides ferocious performance but also brings a great sense of theatre to proceedings, because it sounds terrific. Although its ride is firm and often busy, the Vantage is engaging to drive, with sharp handling and responsive steering.
Where it's made Gaydon, Warwickshire | Our pick V8 | List Price £167,800 | What Car? rating 4 stars
Aston Martin Vanquish
This third-generation Vanquish was unveiled last year as the successor to the discontinued DBS Superleggera. As the brand’s flagship sports car, it’s powered by a monstrous twin-turbocharged 5.2-litre V12 petrol engine that delivers a whopping 824bhp and fires it from 0-62mph in just 3.2sec.
Few car companies have quite the prestige that Aston Martin does, and at the heart of its image is the brand’s British roots (and links with a certain fictional MI6 secret agent). Like most of its other models, the Vanquish is produced at the firm’s main facility in Gaydon, Warwickshire.
Where it's made Gaydon, Warwickshire | Our pick V12 | List Price £332,800 | What Car? rating 5 stars
Bentley Bentayga
The arrival of the Bentayga marked a huge change of direction for Bentley, because it was the first SUV from a brand previously known for its luxury saloons and grand tourers, and it was one of the few top-end luxury SUVs until Aston Martin and Lamborghini joined the party.
Although the firm is part of the VW Group and the Bentayga’s body is manufactured in Germany, it’s painted and assembled at Bentley’s factory in Crewe, Cheshire. Our favourite 4.0-litre V8 S model has 542bhp, so it delivers effortless performance.
Where it's made Crewe, Cheshire | Our pick 4.0 V8 S | List Price £200,300 | What Car? rating 4 stars
Bentley Continental GT
The Continental GT straddles the line between sports car and luxury car in just the right way, and this happy balance has proved popular among buyers, with Bentley sales skyrocketing fivefold since its arrival.
With the old petrol V8 and W12 engines now replaced by a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 plug-in hybrid that pumps out a total of 771bhp, the Continental GT is not only outrageously fast and refined but can also be surprisingly affordable to run. And if you want to enjoy the experience (enhanced by a gorgeous, hand-crafted interior) with the wind in your hair, there’s also a convertible (GTC) version.
Where it's made Crewe, Cheshire | Our pick Speed | List Price £239,400 | What Car? rating 4 stars
Bentley Flying Spur
The Flying Spur is a bit different from most other luxury limos; it has more to offer than just wafting along sedately without disturbing the VIPs in the back. It’s essentially a four-door Continental GT, so it’s not only exquisite inside but is also great to drive, with the Speed version dispatching the 0-60mph sprint in just 3.3sec.
As with the Continental GT and GTC, the Flying Spur is now available only in twin-
turbo V8 hybrid guise. And that’s no bad thing, because this engine not only sounds great but allows the car to cover up to 50 miles (officially) on electric power alone.
Where it's made Crewe, Cheshire | Our pick Speed | List Price £229,300 | What Car? rating 3 stars
Caterham Seven
Caterham isn’t your run-of-the-mill car brand. Its sole model, the lightweight Seven sports car, is based on an old Lotus design from the late 1950s, although the Caterham version makes use of more modern engines. You can save some money and build it yourself, or you can have Caterham do it for you.
The cheapest model is powered by a 660cc three-cylinder Suzuki engine that delivers sprightly performance in such a light car. The Seven is raw and exhilarating to drive, but you’ll have to compromise on comfort, practicality and safety to reap the benefits.
Where it's made Dartford, Kent | List price £32,085 (factory built) | What Car? rating 2 stars
Gordon Murray Automotive T50
The three-seat T50 is the flagship supercar from former Formula 1 designer and McLaren F1 creator Gordon Murray. Like his 1970s Brabham BT46B F1 ‘fan car’, it incorporates technology that helps to stick the car to the road through corners. It’s powered by a 650bhp 4.0-litre V12 engine and has a central driving position.
Where it's made Highams Park, Surrey | List Price £2.8m | What Car? rating Not tested
Gordon Murray Automotive T33
Offered in coupé and Spider (convertible) forms, the T33 is related to the T50, but it dispenses with some of the more extreme F1-inspired technology, including the rear-mounted, downforce-producing fan, and has a conventional driving position. It’s still a very exclusive supercar, though.
Where it's made Highams Park, Surrey | List Price £1.37m | What Car? rating Not tested
Land Rover Discovery Sport
Despite having ‘Sport’ in the name, the Discovery Sport is not a high-performance version of the Discovery, but the brand’s smallest and most affordable model. It’s one of two Land Rover models built at Halewood (the other being the Range Rover Evoque).
Most versions can be had in seven-seat guise, but because that doesn’t include the plug-in hybrid P270e, we think the gutsy D200 diesel in mid-range Dynamic SE trim makes the most sense for private buyers.
Where it's made Halewood, Merseyside | Our pick D200 Dynamic SE | List Price £49,825 | What Car? rating 4 stars
Land Rover Discovery Sport review
Range Rover Evoque
Our favourite version of this stylish small SUV is the plug-in hybrid P270e. With a 0-60mph time of 6.8sec, it’s the quickest model in the Evoque line-up when its punchy 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine and electric motor join forces. With a 15kWh battery, the P270e can officially cover up to 34 miles on electric power alone, too.
What’s more, the Evoque has a classy interior with a great driving position and an abundance of standard equipment.
Where it's made Halewood, Merseyside | Our pick P270e S | List Price £49,000 | What Car? rating 5 stars
Range Rover
The Range Rover has been built in Solihull since it was launched in 1970, when its focus was mainly on practicality. However, this latest version is the definition of a luxury SUV, with a cosseting ride, a classy interior and a commanding driving position.
This level of luxury comes at a high price, though. You’ll find yourself forking out a six-figure sum to put one on your driveway, but it’s potentially justifiable when you factor in the Range Rover’s fantastic off-road ability and generous levels of standard equipment.
Where it's made Solihull, West Midlands | Our pick D300 SE | List Price £104,025 | What Car? rating 4 stars
Range Rover Sport
Like the full-fat Range Rover, the Range Rover Sport has been made in Solihull since its introduction (in 2005). As denoted by its ‘Sport’ moniker, it’s a more compact and agile model than its bigger brother, while undercutting it on price by a significant margin.
Our favourite version is equipped with the same 296bhp 3.0-litre six-cylinder diesel engine (with mild hybrid electrical assistance) as the Range Rover, and it can complete the 0-60mph dash in a brisk 6.1sec. Although the pricier plug-in hybrid versions are quicker still, the gutsy, smooth diesel engine suits the Range Rover Sport perfectly and makes more financial sense for private buyers.
Where it's made Solihull, West Midlands | Our pick D300 Dynamic SE | List Price £86,925 | What Car? rating 5 stars
Range Rover Velar
The Velar is stylish, comfortable and, provided you stick to one of the cheaper trims, temptingly priced. It sits comfortably between the Evoque and Sport models, and while it feels most at home on the road, it’s still very impressive in off-road conditions.
Our recommended D200 four-cylinder diesel engine delivers respectable acceleration and sensible running costs, while even entry-level S trim gives you a high-quality interior with plenty of standard equipment and a large boot. As with its stablemates, just be aware that Land Rover doesn’t have a great reliability record.
Where it's made Solihull, West Midlands | Our pick D200 S | List Price £54,730 | What Car? rating 4 stars
Lotus Emira
The Emira sports car is set to be the last Lotus powered by a traditional combustion engine. While it’s available with a 361bhp 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder unit (borrowed from the Mercedes-AMG A45 hot hatch), we prefer the 400bhp 3.5-litre V6. Sweet handling and a well-controlled ride are further strengths, but the driving position is badly offset.
Where it's made Hethel, Norfolk | Our pick 3.5 V6 First Edition | List Price £89,995 | What Car? rating 3 stars
Lotus Evija
Spearheading Lotus’s expanding line-up of electric models, the Evija is a stratospherically priced supercar that pumps out an immense 2012bhp and can sprint from 0-62mph in less than three seconds. Unlike the Eletre SUV and Emeya saloon (which are made in China), the Evija is put together at Lotus’s Norfolk base.
Where it's made Hethel, Norfolk | List Price £2 million (est) | What Car rating Not tested
McLaren 750S
When the McLaren 720S was replaced by the 750S, it received an increase in power output from 720PS (710bhp) to 750PS (740bhp) – hence the name change. Other than that, the 750S doesn’t look too different, but according to McLaren, 30% of the parts under the skin were completely refreshed.
We were big fans of the 720S for its engaging handling and supple ride. The 750S is set to be the firm’s final model to be solely combustion-powered; some have already gone hybrid. A convertible (Spider) version is also available.
Where it's made Woking, Surrey | List Price £255,060 | What Car? rating Not tested
McLaren Artura
Combining a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 engine with a 94bhp electric motor, the Artura is McLaren’s first plug-in hybrid, with a combined power output of 671bhp.
It has some impressive figures, sprinting from 0-62mph in just 3.0sec, with a top speed of 205mph. Its hybrid technology even allows it to officially travel for up to 19 miles on pure electric power, but you’ll have to be pretty gentle on the accelerator – and, with a supercar like this, that can be hard to do.
Where it's made Woking, Surrey | List Price £190,680 | What Car? rating 4 stars
McLaren GTS
The GTS is the lighter, refreshed successor to the McLaren GT (grand tourer), offering slightly more performance from the same turocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine. Like every other McLaren model, it’s produced at the firm’s base in Woking, Surrey.
While we haven’t had the chance to drive the GTS yet, we liked the GT for its brilliant dynamics and supple ride. However, we said some rivals offered much more comfort and less road noise.
Where it's made Woking, Surrey | List Price £182,060 | What Car? rating Not tested
Mini Cooper 3dr
The Mini brand may be part of the BMW Group now, but its models still capture the same essence of Britishness as their iconic forebears, not least through their distinctive round headlights and Union Flag tail-light graphics.
While the Countryman SUV is made in Germany and the electric version of the latest Cooper hails from China, the petrol- powered three-door hatchback continues to be built at Mini Plant Oxford in Cowley, as it has been since BMW reintroduced the brand more than 20 years ago.
At the heart of its popularity are its stylish looks (inside and out), lively performance and sharp handling. Our favourite version is the entry-level 154bhp 1.5-litre Cooper C, which delivers lively performance (the 0-62mph sprint takes a brisk 7.7sec) and fine efficiency for a sensible price.
Where it's made Cowley, Oxfordshire | Our pick 1.5 C Classic | List Price £23,150 | What Car? rating 3 stars
Mini Cooper 5-Door
This five-door version of the Mini Cooper has everything that the three-door offers, plus a bit more space for rear passengers (with three seats back there instead of the three-door’s two), plus a larger boot (although it’s still far from class-leading). In sporty Cooper S guise, the Mini produces a hearty 201bhp, giving it a 0-62mph time of just 6.8sec.
Where it's made Cowley, Oxfordshire | List Price £24,050 | What Car? rating Not tested
Mini Cooper Convertible
For those who enjoy the sensation of driving with the wind in their hair, the Cooper is also available as a convertible. Unlike the Cooper 3dr, the drop-top doesn’t offer an electric option; it’s available only with 2.0-litre petrol engines, with the Cooper C’s delivering 161bhp.
Where it's made Cowley, Oxfordshire | List Price £27,110 | What Car? rating Not tested
Morgan Plus Four
This family-run business has been making hand-built cars since 1910. Among the models built at its factory in Worcestershire is the Plus Four, a sports car with a very distinctive, unchanging exterior design.
But while the bodywork looks traditional, the Plus Four’s mechanicals have been modernised over the years. The current version is powered by a BMW-sourced turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine, and is available with either a six-speed manual gearbox or an eight-speed automatic.
Where it's made Malvern, Worcestershire | List price £63,730 | What Car? rating Not tested
Morgan Plus Six
When it arrived in 2019, the Plus Six came with a new BMW-sourced 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine under the bonnet, replacing the V8 that resided in the previous Plus 8 model.
Unlike the Plus Four, the Plus Six is available only with an automatic gearbox, as well as some other modern features, such as LED headlights and tail-lights. Updates over the years have made it lighter and more agile, with stiffer underpinnings to help improve handling.
Where it's made Malvern, Worcestershire | List price £91,145 | What Car? rating Not tested
Morgan Super 3
The Super 3 is a unique proposition, being a two-seat sports car with just three wheels (two at the front and one at the rear) and little in the way of weather protection. While previous versions made use of a two-cylinder motorcycle engine, the current Super 3 is powered by a 118bhp 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine sourced from Ford.
Linked to that is a five-speed manual gearbox from an older version of the Mazda MX-5 sports car. We haven’t tested the Super 3, but – even more so than other Morgan models – it promises to be memorable to drive.
Where it's made Malvern, Worcestershire | List price £41,995 | What Car? rating Not tested
Nissan Juke
When the original Nissan Juke was launched in 2010, it became the car that put SUVs on the radar for buyers with more modest budgets, and its popularity inspired a whole wave of other new small SUVs.
Since its introduction, the Juke has been produced at Nissan’s Sunderland factory. Interior quality, standard equipment and safety are some of the Juke’s strong suits, but the Skoda Kamiq offers more space and the Ford Puma is more fun to drive.
Where it's made Sunderland, Tyne and Wear | Our pick 1.0 DiG-T N-Connecta | List Price £25,500 | What Car? rating 3 stars
Nissan Qashqai
Over the years, the Nissan Qashqai has frequently been among the best-selling new cars in the UK, and it’s the model commonly credited with spearheading the family SUV trend that has seemingly taken over the entire automotive industry.
However, fame isn’t everything, and for us, the Qashqai doesn’t offer quite as strong an all-around package as, for example, the Kia Sportage and Skoda Karoq. But if you opt for one of the cheaper trim levels, the Qashqai is quite tempting, giving you a lot of equipment for your money.
Where it's made Sunderland, Tyne and Wear | Our pick DIG-T 140 N-Connecta | List Price £32,305 | What Car? rating 4 stars
Rolls-Royce Cullinan
This exclusive luxury SUV is quintessentially British; not only is it manufactured at Rolls-Royce’s factory near Chichester, West Sussex, but it’s also named after the largest diamond ever discovered – which takes pride of place among the Crown Jewels. Like the diamond, the car presents an imposing silhouette.
As with the Rolls-Royce Phantom saloon, the Cullinan has a gorgeous interior that’s crafted from the finest materials and offers supreme levels of comfort. A powerful 6.75-litre V12 engine provides effortless performance and cruising ability. The Cullinan doesn’t corner as tidily as the Bentley Bentayga, though.
Where it's made Goodwood, West Sussex | List Price £334,800 | What Car? rating 4 stars
Rolls-Royce Ghost
The Ghost saloon may be Rolls-Royce’s ‘entry-level’ model, but it still delivers all of the richness and comfort that you’d expect from the British brand. In fact, the Ghost is one of the best luxury cars we’ve ever driven.
Crushing performance is delivered by a 563bhp twin-turbocharged 6.75-litre V12 engine that pulls effortlessly from low revs. And because it’s not quite as huge as other Rolls-Royce models, the Ghost handles impeccably and feels decidedly more manageable if you choose to drive yourself.
Built at Goodwood, West Sussex | List Price £280,800 | What Car? rating 5 stars
Rolls-Royce Phantom
Larger than the Ghost, the Phantom saloon was the first Rolls-Royce model developed entirely under BMW’s watch, and the first product to emerge from the Goodwood factory that was set up specifically following the split from Bentley. It successfully revived an ailing brand and put Rolls-Royce firmly back among the top echelon of luxury car makers.
Quality and comfort remain top priorities for the latest iteration, which was introduced in 2017. An exquisite interior is furnished with soft leather, real metal trims, elegant woodwork and fantastic attention to detail, while the level of personalisation on offer beggars belief.
Rearward-opening rear doors allow unhindered access to plush, spacious rear seats, and there’s an even longer version if you need extra lounging room. And with the same 6.75-litre V12 engine as the Cullinan, progress is dignified and effortless.
Where it's made Goodwood, West Sussex | List Price £430,800 | What Car? rating 5 stars
Rolls-Royce Spectre
This luxurious coupé is Rolls-Royce’s first all-electric model. It’s powered by two electric motors with a combined output of 576bhp, and although it weighs close to three tonnes, it can shoot from 0-60mph in less than 4.5sec.
If anything, the electric motors add to the sense of serenity you’d expect from a Rolls-Royce, with a near-total absence of noise and vibration. In fact, the Spectre would have got five stars in our test, had it not been for the fact that its real-world range is less than 250 miles, which isn’t quite what we’d expect from such a high-end car.
Where it's made Goodwood, West Sussex | List Price £332,055 | What Car? rating 4 stars
Suzuki Swace
The Swace is what you get when Suzuki and Toyota come together to create a comfortable, well-equipped estate. It’s virtually identical to the Toyota Corolla Touring Sports, except it’s available only with a 1.8-litre hybrid engine (whereas there’s a 2.0-litre hybrid option in the Corolla). Still, we prefer the lower-powered engine, because it’s frugal and delivers enough performance to meet most buyers’ needs.
While other Suzuki models are shipped in from abroad, the Swace is built alongside the Corolla at Toyota’s factory in Derbyshire.
Where it's made Burnaston, Derbyshire | Our pick 1.8 Hybrid Motion | List price £29,999 | What Car? rating 4 stars
Toyota Corolla
A number of Toyota models have been built in the UK since the opening of its Burnaston factory in 1993, and one of the models that is still in production there is the ubiquitous Corolla family hatchback.
There’s a lot to like about the Corolla. Being a regular hybrid, it can run on electric power alone at times around town, with the potential to greatly reduce your fuel costs, and it doesn’t need to be plugged in overnight. It’s also well equipped, comfortable and user-friendly inside, while being very competitively priced against conventionally powered rivals and undercutting its fellow hybrid model, the Honda Civic, by a significant amount.
Where it's made Burnaston, Derbyshire | Our pick 1.8 Hybrid Icon | List Price £30,505 | What Car? rating 5 stars
Toyota Corolla Touring Sports
If you’re looking for a car with more luggage space than the Corolla hatchback and more engines to choose from than the Suzuki Swace, the Corolla Touring Sports makes a lot of sense. It’s available with the same hybrid options as the hatch, and that means it’s likely to be cheap to run, and it comes generously equipped. As with all Toyotas, you can expect it to be very dependable, too. Although it’s very practical, some similar-priced rivals have even larger boots, including the Skoda Octavia Estate.
Where it's made Burnaston, Derbyshire | Our pick 1.8 Hybrid Icon | List Price £31,840 | What Car? rating 5 stars
Toyota Corolla Touring Sports review
What about vans?
The Stellantis Group's factory in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, is dedicated to making electric vans (and their passenger equivalents) across the Citroën, Fiat, Peugeot and Vauxhall brands. It’s where the Citroën e-Berlingo, Fiat e-Doblo, Peugeot e-Partner and Vauxhall Combo Electric are made. With the closure of Vauxhall’s Luton factory, production of the upcoming electric version of the larger Vivaro van will go to Ellesmere Port, too.
Elsewhere, the London Electric Vehicle Company (LEVC) makes the VN5 van (and related plug-in hybrid TX taxi) at a factory in Ansty Park, Warwickshire.
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